Study Highlights Urgent Need to Improve Medicaid Coverage for Post-Hospitalization Anorexia Treatment

A recent study conducted by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago reveals significant disparities in the care and hospitalization duration for adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa based on insurance type. The research found that Medicaid-insured patients hospitalized for medical stabilization of anorexia tend to have longer hospital stays compared to peers with private insurance, despite similar illness severity. This discrepancy is largely attributed to inadequate Medicaid coverage for essential post-discharge care services such as residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and outpatient therapy. The study, published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, underscores that while Medicaid reimbursement per day is nearly five times lower than private insurance, Medicaid-insured patients experience extended hospitalizations, reflecting systemic inequities.

Dr. Gregg Montalto, senior author of the study and an associate at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasizes that inadequate coverage and low reimbursement rates for anorexia treatments under Medicaid are forcing many healthcare providers to turn away these patients. He states, "A financial issue is causing a concerning inequity in anorexia care. Patients often cannot access the necessary post-discharge services they need to recover, which can lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased health risks."

Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening disorder, characterized by an irrational fear of weight gain and eating, which can result in severe physical complications like kidney failure and dangerously low blood pressure. The disease is notably the second most lethal psychiatric disorder after opioid use disorder, with approximately 10,200 deaths annually in the U.S. due to complications. Currently, no approved medication exists for anorexia, making nutritional intervention—such as tube feeding when necessary—the primary treatment.

In their retrospective review, the researchers analyzed 139 adolescent and young adult patients admitted 196 times for anorexia-related medical instability to understand how insurance payer status impacts length of stay and reimbursement. The findings revealed a stark disparity: Medicaid patients stayed longer in the hospital, yet the reimbursement they received was significantly lower.

Dr. Montalto advocates for policy changes, urging Medicaid to expand coverage and improve reimbursement for anorexia treatments to address this healthcare inequity. "Kids suffering from anorexia deserve more. It’s essential that all payers recognize the severity of this illness and ensure access to comprehensive treatment," he concludes.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-urgent-medicaid-coverage-anorexia-hospitalization.html